Bangladesh advances plan to buy Chinese J-10CE fighter jets

Bangladesh is moving forward with a possible purchase of Chinese-made Chengdu J-10CE fighter jets, according to a government adviser cited in reporting on the matter. A preliminary draft of an agreement is being prepared and will go to relevant ministries and the armed forces for approval. No contract has yet been signed.

Earlier documentation reportedly points to an order of 20 J-10CE aircraft. The full program, including training, equipment, logistics and infrastructure, could cost around 2.3 billion dollars, roughly 1.8 billion euros.

Should the deal go through, Bangladesh would become the second confirmed foreign buyer of the Chinese fighter jet, after Pakistan. The aircraft are expected to replace the country's aging fleet of F-7 fighters, according to the same source.

No timeline for a final signing has been given. The figures involved are still based on earlier documents rather than a finalized contract.